Tory Discomfort with Harper’s Remarks on Same-Sex Marriage

TORONTO – In attempting to defend his position to deny extending rights to a minority yesterday, Stephen Harper failed to learn from history, according to Tamara Kronis, a long-time Conservative Party member.

According to Ms Kronis, “Mr. Harper could learn a lesson or two from his own words. The internment of Japanese Canadians and the legacy of “none is too many” reminds us that there was a time in Canadian history when it was acceptable to discriminate against those minorities and to deny them equal treatment. Today, Mr. Harper seems, in fact, to be wagering that it will be acceptable to Canadians to discriminate against gays and lesbians just as it was “acceptable” during WWII to discriminate against Japanese Canadians and Jews, a legacy that I know all Canadians deeply regret. I am disappointed in Mr. Harper’s lack of leadership and judgment on this issue, and in the insensitivity that is evident in his remarks.”

“As a Jew, I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with gays and lesbians on the side of equality today. Canadians understand that hundreds of lesbian and gay couples have already married and have, in some cases, celebrated their first wedding anniversaries. I believe that MP’s will see through Mr. Harper’s flawed reasoning and will vote in favour of same-sex marriage and against taking existing marriages away from gay and lesbian Canadians. I know I would feel terrible if someone threatened my marriage,” Ms. Kronis said.

Tamara Kronis is a long time Tory and a volunteer for Canadians for Equal Marriage. She lives in Toronto with her husband, Martin.

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